UNSW Centre for Ideas

As our climate continues to change, reducing our carbon emissions and environmental footprint has become the moral imperative of our generation. To achieve this, the Australian Government has set a target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030 and has set a legislated target to achieve net zero by 2050. But what is the role of fossil fuels in this transition? What part can coal and gas play? And how can we build out the infrastructure we need, while keeping the carbon costs low? Speakers: -Host: Dani Alexander, CEO of the UNSW Energy Institute-Dr Kerry Schott AO, Chair of the Carbon Market Institute-Amy Kean, Director of Stride Renewables & Advisory Board Member of the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub-Professor John Fletcher, Director of the UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute-Professor Iain MacGill, Co-Director of the UNSW Collaboration on Energy and Environmental Markets Presented by UNSW Engineering and the UNSW Energy Institute as part of the Engineering the Future series, join our expert panellists for a thought-provoking discussion on the rocky road to net zero.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Renowned AI leader Andrew Ng discusses advancements in machine learning, transfer learning for robotic perception, challenges with language models, generative AI in Silicon Valley, the significance of data in tech, future of AI research, and collaboration with UNSW for teaching children coding.

In this first conversation, Creative Disruptions, Vince Frost of Frost*collective is joined by neuroscientist and founder of Future Minds Lab Professor Joel Pearson, intellectual property specialist and Director of Simpsons Jules Munro and Kartini Ludwig Director and founder of digital design and innovation studio Kopi Su. The panel unpack current developments in AI technology exploring what challenges these developments pose for creative practitioners.  Presented by the Innovation Hub, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2023 the Judith Neilson lecture was given by Professor Briony Rogers. Australia is at a time of reckoning.  Fires, floods, droughts, heat, cyclones – we have realised that business-as-usual is not enough to grow the climate resilience needed for communities, cities and Country.  Professor Briony Rogers reveals her pioneering initiatives and rethinks our approach to strengthen Australia’s climate resilience. Presented by the School of Built Environment, UNSW Arts, Design & ArchitectureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, Sean Turnell was held for 650 days in Myanmar’s terrifying Insein Prison on the trumped-up charge of being a spy. His improbable story as an optimistic economics professor unfolds in his book, An Unlikely Prisoner, where he recounts how he survived his traumatic incarceration.  In conversation with Melissa Crouch, a UNSW Sydney Professor who was part of the team advocating for his freedom, Sean shares how he not only survived his lengthy and traumatic incarceration, but also left with his sense of humour intact, his spirit unbroken and love in his heart. Sean's unique perspective coupled with his expertise on Myanmar offers broader insights into the plight of the people and the political prisoners under Myanmar’s newest dictators, and the many human rights issues at play. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good theatre holds a mirror up to society, forcing audiences to shine a light on the darkest corners and recesses of society. In these tumultuous times, it’s easy to wonder where is our world headed, and how we might navigate the new obstacles that arise when we get there?  Fortunately, British playwright Sir David Hare, is no stranger to pondering these mind bending questions. During his illustrious career he has written over 30 plays often examining the machinations of British politics and institutions, and its these plays that have seen him named, “the premier political dramatist writing in English” by The Washington Post.   So how has writing shaped Sir David Hare’s vision for where society is headed? And how might creativity unlock a way to adapt to what the future holds? In discussion with theatre producer Jo Dyer, David Hare speaks about his remarkable career as a playwright, and his creative plans for the future. This event is presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and supported by the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture and Adelaide Writers’ Week.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world inundated with deep fakes, fake news and misinformation, is it possible to see beyond the tall tales and reach the truth?  Evolutionary biologist Carl Bergstrom believes we can. His book, Calling Bullshit: The Art of Scepticism in a Data-Driven World, serves as a vital tool to unblur the line between fact and fiction in our fast-paced digital age. With provoking insights and analytical prowess, Bergstrom equips us with the critical thinking tools needed to navigate the labyrinth of information flooding our lives.  Hear Carl Bergstrom in conversation with UNSW Scientia Professor Rob Brooks as they uncover how to question the reliability of sources, dissect the credibility of data, and hone your ability to discern fact from fiction in our technologically-driven world. Wielding the power of scepticism and a bullsh*t detector as a force for good may be society’s greatest asset and greatest challenge.Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Science. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BioNTech founders Professor Uğur Şahin, M.D. and Professor Özlem Türeci, M.D., in an exclusive conversation with UNSW Provost, Professor Vlado Perkovic, discuss how to translate science into survival by combining fundamental research and operational excellence to develop new immunotherapies. Together with its partner Pfizer, BioNTech led the global COVID-19 vaccine effort with the successful development of the first approved mRNA vaccine, known today as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. But, what’s next?  Can mRNA technology change individualised cancer medicine or cure infectious disease? How can scientists evaluate next generation diagnostics and medicines? What type of ecosystem will enable next generation clinical trials at scale? Is it possible to accelerate access to precision medicine for Australians who need it? Hear how these global leaders want to improve the health of people worldwide and their efforts to make it a reality.  Presented by UNSW Medicine & Health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From being the second woman appointed to the US Supreme Court until her passing, Ruth Bader Ginsburg's inspiring journey through the legal realm was characterised by her fierce advocacy for gender equality and justice, and provided the backdrop for an evening of conversation about the work, RBG: Of Many, One.  Step into the captivating world of theatre and law as we bring together three remarkable women – playwright and legal luminary, Suzie Miller, and acclaimed actor Heather Mitchell in conversation with producer Jo Dyer – who have left an indelible mark on the stage and beyond.   Hear them draw back the curtain on the alchemy that gave life to the mesmerising RBG. An engaging conversation that unites their unique perspectives, unveiling the delicate interplay of literary finesse and theatrical brilliance. Presented by UNSW Law & Justice, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture and Sydney Theatre Company. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2018 Egyptian-Australian writer Lamisse Hamouda had moved to Egypt to study when her life was turned upside down. Her father Hazem, on his way to visit her, was arrested by authorities, accused of sympathising with a terrorist organisation, and sent to prison without charge or evidence for 433 days.In conversation with UNSW Middle East expert Lana Tatour, Lamisse delved into her book, The Shape of Dust, and her experience fighting against the Egyptian prison system as an Australian citizen. Together, they unpack what support the Australian Government provides dual citizens abroad (surprisingly minimal), what cultural identity means for individuals stuck between two cultural worlds, and how trauma can fragment memory, bringing unexpected challenges to the writing process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.